Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

This frosted yeast bread is the highlight of our annual Mardi Gras party. If you want to hide a token inside, do so by cutting a small slit in the bottom of the baked cake…and remember to warn your guests! —Lisa Mouton, Orlando, Florida

Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling
Yield: 24 Servings



Grannies Kitchen Mardi Gras Cake




Ingredients
•1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
•1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
•1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
•1/3 cup shortening
•1/3 cup sugar
•1 teaspoon salt
•1 egg
•4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling

•GLAZE:
•3 cups confectioners' sugar
•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•3 to 4 tablespoons water
•Purple, green and gold colored sugar

Directions
•In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, sugar, salt, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread almond filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cooled cakes. Sprinkle with colored sugars. Yield: 2 cakes (12 servings each).

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Solo brand cake and pastry filling. Look for it in the baking aisle.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 slice) equals 227 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 123 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.


Grannies Kitchen

Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe